The Covid-19 pandemic abruptly halted all forms of social contact. With the return of business as usual, attention has turned to safer ways to indulge in recreational activities. One of the most popular pastimes has been online shopping. While the world’s largest online stores offer the safest and most convenient shopping experience during this time of crisis, all retailers are not created equal. In this article, we will discuss some important considerations before buying from a seemingly safe online pharmacy or shop.
Location
If you decide to purchase from a foreign country, keep in mind that you are transacting with a stranger thousands of miles away. You might consider registering with a reputable organization that monitors scams and protects honest businesses. Doing business with an unprofessional, unreliable vendor is something you should never have to worry about.
As mentioned above, the world’s largest online stores have largely suspended all activities related to shipping and deliveries due to the pandemic. While this has undoubtedly been an inconvenience, it has also been a golden opportunity to reassess our safety preferences. Consumers are now more conscious of their security online, having to self-quarantine for several months.
It would be unwise to return to the pre-pandemic state of online commerce, particularly when it comes to buying medication or supplements from a location outside the U.S. If you decide to partake in online shopping, do your homework before doing business with any particular entity.
Delivery Options
In addition to safety, delivery options are a major factor to consider when buying goods online. If you need the item delivered to your home, you will either have to pick it up or wait until a professional comes to your door. Depending on the item, it could take a while for it to arrive, and in some instances, it could be impossible for the vendor to deliver your order.
Some businesses, like Amazon, are absolutely fantastic at delivering your order in a short amount of time. Other online stores, such as Vitacost and Neotek, offer a standard shipping rate that covers most items. Still, others, like Medtronic, charge extremely high shipping fees that make it almost prohibitive to buy their equipment online (unless you are prepared to pay them a visit to take care of the issue).
In general, you should exercise extreme caution when ordering from unknown sources. Even if the website looks genuine, it might still be a fraudulent operation. Verify any information that is posed to you as a guarantee that you are dealing with a reputable business.
Scam Alert
Many companies, such as Amazon, offer an excellent money-back guarantee. While this might seem like a convenient option for consumers, it could also be a red flag that you are dealing with a scammer. Once you make the purchase, the cashier should ask you if you want to be covered by the guarantee. In the event that you are swindled or have a problem with the product, the company should provide you with a full refund.
As a consumer, you have the right to ask any questions you might have about the guarantee before making a purchase. If the staff is unable to provide you with satisfactory answers, it might be a sign that you are dealing with a scammer. In most cases, these people will operate out of a country, making it more difficult for law enforcement to intervene.
Even if you use a trusted source for your medication or supplements, such as Amazon, Neotek, or Vitacost, it is still not a wise idea to buy from a third-party vendor. In some instances, these individuals might provide substandard products or ingredients that could end up causing you harm. To avoid this, buy only what you need and what is on offer.
Quality Control
You might be wondering how a business can sell medication and supplements that have not been tested or synthesized by qualified professionals. The answer is that some companies buy their products from unapproved sources, which is a major red flag. In almost all cases, these items are of questionable quality and could potentially do more harm than good. Even if you purchase an acceptable product from an unapproved source, there is always the chance that it could be contaminated or tampered with.
The safest option, once again, is to purchase from a reputable company that has a proven track record of providing high-quality medication and supplements. The FDA currently offers an excellent online database where you can search for reputable companies that meet your needs. With so much competition, it is essential that you do your homework before buying online. Fortunately, with the right information, it is quite easy to find trustworthy, online pharmacies and supplement shops.
Customer Service
Last but not least, let’s discuss the issue of customer service. In most cases, you will be entitled to a satisfactory answer to your question. However, if you are unable to get a satisfactory response from the company after you made the purchase, it might be a sign that you are dealing with a scammer. In most cases, these people operate out of a country, making it more difficult for law enforcement to intervene.
If you decide to buy from a country that does not have a strong legal system in place, you will be at the mercy of the vendor. In the event of a problem, you will either have to find a way to get your refund or deal with a scammer who is unwilling to provide satisfactory answers to your questions.
In summary, not all online pharmacies and supplement stores are created equal. Do your research before doing business with any particular business entity. Also, be sure to read reviews from previous customers who had good or bad experiences with the company. Last but not least, make sure to order only what you need and want. It’s always better to order too little than too much. In most cases, this is not a problem because the product will be delivered to you shortly after ordering. If you need to contact the company, there is usually an option available online. If this is not the case and they fail to respond to your inquiries, it might be a sign that you are dealing with a scammer who is trying to take your money.